Italy celebrates first men's grand slam single winner since 1976

Jannik Sinner's stunning comeback victory at the Australian Open has triggered huge celebrations in his home country of Italy.

It was a first men's grand slam singles title for an Italian since 1976.

Far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni claimed the 22-year-old's five-set win in the final against Daniil Medvedev for the whole nation on Sunday.

Meloni wrote on Instagram: "Italy has won the Australian Open for the first time. A memorable achievement worthy of a true champion."

Sinner hails from the predominantly German-speaking autonomous province of South Tyrol on the Austrian border.

The local news portal stol.it wrote: "This Sunday, January 28, 2024, will go down in the history of South Tyrol, Italy and the tennis world: Jannik Sinner, this 22-year-old wonder boy from the mountain village of Sesto, has won the Australian Open in a completely crazy final."

South Tyrol's head of government Arno Kompatscher wrote to Sinner on Facebook: "Thank you for allowing us to experience this historic moment with you!!!"

The Italian sports newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport said: "What beauty, what light, what a miracle!" while state television channel Rai even elevated the 22-year-old to the status of "extraterrestrial."

The daily newspaper La Repubblica made reference to his name's meaning in English when it wrote: "Today we are all Sinners."